2020 journal article
Investigation of the use of venlafaxine for treatment of refractory misdirected play and impulse-control aggression in a cat: A case report
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY BEHAVIOR-CLINICAL APPLICATIONS AND RESEARCH, 42, 22–25.
Venlafaxine was evaluated as treatment for refractory misdirected play and impulse-control aggression in a cat. The patient, a 6-year-old male castrated domestic short-hair, had been well controlled on fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor at 7.5 mg (1.4 mg/kg) PO q24 h. However, after 3 years of therapy, urinary retention was gradually developed. For this reason, the fluoxetine was weaned. Although the urinary retention resolved, this led to the aggression relapsing. A physical examination was performed and found to be within normal limits. A trial of venlafaxine, a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, was initiated at 6.25 mg (1.1 mg/kg) PO q24 h. The patient's aggression improved to its previous level on the fluoxetine within 24 hours of starting therapy. Nearly one year after starting therapy, the patient remains well controlled with no adverse side effects reported by the owner. This patient's outcome suggests venlafaxine may be a safe and effective alternative for patients with serotonin responsive anxiety and impulse-related behavior problems in which selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are not tolerated. Further study is warranted on the safety, efficacy, dosing, and use of serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in feline patients.